Dry Mouth A Factor That Contribute To Bad Breath And Gum Infection

Dry mouth or Xerostomia is not a normal part of aging, as a person grows older saliva production should not be a problem. Dry mouth occurs when salivary glands do not work properly, affecting the way you eat, swallow, taste and even speak. Dry mouth is a factor that contributes to bad breath and gum infection and it increases the risk of tooth decay. There are various reasons why dry mouth is being encountered, medications are one of its common factor.

The reasons behind the dryness of the mouth are related to the vital role of saliva in our mouth. The primary role of our saliva is to keep the mouth lubricated and moist, another role of its role is to rinse away the bacteria, food particles and the acid away from the teeth. Saliva serves as the mouth’s defense against harmful bacteria that causes gum infection and tooth decay.

 If you notice that you are encountering dry mouth, see your dentist to know the root cause of the condition. If it is caused by a medication, you can talk to your doctor about changing your medicine or its dosage. To prevent dry mouth, drink extra water, reduce the foods that are rich in sugar and beverages that contains alcohol or caffeine. For serious cases of dry mouth, your dentist may recommend to use artificial saliva or medications. Chewing a sugar- free candy or gum is also useful in preventing dry mouth.